Managerial Practices, Work-Related Challenges, and Sustainable Work Environments in Private Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Sustainable work environments in higher education institutions are essential for promoting organizational effectiveness, employee well-being, and institutional sustainability. This study examined managerial practices, work-related challenges, and sustainable work environments in private higher education institutions in Pagadian City, Philippines. Specifically, it assessed managerial practices in terms of clear goals, relevant skills, mutual trust, and good communication, as well as work-related challenges related to skills and abilities, personalities, perceptions, and values and ethics. A descriptive-comparative research design was employed involving 37 educational managers and 115 college teachers from selected private higher education institutions. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire and analyzed using weighted mean, ranking, t-test, and Pearson correlation. Findings revealed that managerial practices and work-related challenges were generally perceived as highly practiced by both educational managers and college teachers. Results further showed a significant difference in the perceptions of the two groups regarding managerial practices, while no significant difference was found in their perceptions of work-related challenges. Moreover, a high positive relationship was identified between managerial practices and work-related challenges, suggesting that effective managerial practices contribute to addressing organizational challenges and fostering sustainable work environments. The study highlights the importance of strengthening leadership practices, communication systems, trust-building initiatives, and ethical workplace culture to sustain productive and supportive educational work environments in higher education institutions.